Dinner parties

Hosting a dinner party should be as much fun as being a guest. With careful planning of everything from your cooking timeline to the placement of guests, you can alleviate any hosting anxiety. Martha has spent decades mastering the dinner party, and culled all of her best decorating ideas, shortcuts, and recipes here, whether hosting a crowd or preparing a romantic evening for two.

Creative ideas for hostess gifts, including items for the home and garden, treats from your kitchen, gift basket suggestions, and more.

gallery

Be sure to save the turkey bones from your Thanksgiving feast -- you can use them to make a pot of flavorful stock. Simmer them with some onions, carrots, and celery, and you'll have a freezable, low-sodium base for soups, stews, rice dishes, and more.